The Himba People

Namibia · pastoralist · semi-nomadic · African cultures

Base homesteads. The Himba have permanent villages where they grow crops, but they move around during the year depending on rainfall and where they can find water for their herds.

Cattle herders. The Himba are pastoralists, which means raising livestock like cattle is central to their way of life and culture.

OtjiHimba language. The Himba speak their own language called OtjiHimba, which is related to the language of the neighboring Herero people and belongs to a big family of African languages called Bantu.

Northern Namibia home. About 50,000 Himba live in the Kunene Region of northern Namibia and across the border in southern Angola, in one of Africa's most remote areas.

Distinct culture. Although they share some history with the Herero people, the Himba have developed their own unique culture, traditions, and way of life over time.